Left-field Illan Meslier replacement Leeds United could turn to as transfer speculation heats up

Leeds United face the risk of returning for pre-season with just Kristoffer Klaesson as the only first-team goalkeeper on the books. Joel Robles was released by the Whites but has been invited back for pre-season, while Illan Meslier has been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur despite his struggles last season.

The French goalkeeper kept just five clean sheets in the Premier League last season and made a number of costly errors in the final Premier League run in. Sam Allardyce took Meslier out of the firing line, allowing Robles to come in for the final four games of the season, but he shipped 11 goals in four games.

Leeds’ relegation to the Championship means a number of their young talents could be snapped up for cut-price fees, with Meslier among those tipped for an exit. The 23-year-old has been coy about his future but insists a move away from Elland Road would only come to fruition if he was guaranteed to be number one.

Speaking about his Leeds future with RMC Sport, Meslier said: “It’s complicated when you’re in the situation that is ours. We no longer have a coach (Sam Allardyce left Leeds after the descent, editor’s note), our club is being bought out by the 49ers group. There are a lot of unknowns.

READ MORE: Leeds United’s most anticipated summer development may already be in the building

“For now, I have my contract until 2026. Officially, I still belong to Leeds. I will have to think about which project can be the best, whether at Leeds or at another club.”

The Whites’ shot stopper has been liked with a move to Chelsea but Meslier insists he wants to be number one. He added: “If it’s to go there and be on the bench, I’m not interested.

“If it’s to be number one, obviously you can’t say ‘no, I’m not interested in Chelsea’. I prefer to go to a club that is less famous but where I will have playing time than to a top European club where I am on the bench.”

Macro-Football has a number of Leeds United player in the underperforming team of the year, with Meslier’s struggles highlighted with his inclusion. The Frenchman, who is representing France’s U21’s side at the Euro Espoirs, was nominated between the sticks in their team-of-the-season.

Leeds Live has taken a look at possible alternatives who could replace Meslier if he leaves Elland Road this summer, but it doesn’t make good reading. Of the five players similar to the French shot stopper, four are likely to be out of Leeds’ reach.

Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello has a 93.4 per cent similarity but has sealed a move to AC Milan, while fellow La Dea shot stopper Juan Musso – who has a 91.1 per cent similarity – was a mainstay in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side last season.

Spanish shot stopper Unai Simon has an 87.8 per cent similarity to Meslier but would be unlikely to leave Athletic Bilbao for the Championship. Staying in Spain, Valencia number one and rising talent, Giorgi Mamardashvili has an 88.2 per cent similarity but has been linked with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.

Leaving just one goalkeeper who Leeds could turn to if Meslier leaves the club this summer. Marcin Bulka has a 91.6 per cent similarity to Meslier but has been on the fringes of OGC Nice’s first-team set-up.

The Polish youth international came through Chelsea’s academy before moving to PSG but has barely scratched the surface of his playing career with just 30 senior appearances at the age of 22. A move for Bulka would be a gamble, but the Whites need to add to their goalkeeping options next term.